Purple Lemon Photography

Personal Project- Classically Quirky

Thursday, March 15, 2018
When I was in high school, one of the projects we had to do in our photography class was to emulate the photography style of a famous photographer. I don't recall if I was assigned or got to choose my subject, but I was to draw my inspiration from Rodney Smith. Immediately, I was drawn in by his work and have loved it ever since.

Some of those prints from high school are even on display today in my basement, some 15 years or so later.

Marked by quirks and whimsy, his portraits of classy, beautiful, striking women and dapper gentleman attract me every time I see them.

A few years ago, there was a new book put out of Rodney Smith's work, and Brian got it for me for Christmas. Perhaps it is my favorite gift of all time. I decided as I gingerly turned the pages and soaked it in, that I'd try emulating his work again.

I had a number of things in mind, and a few years of adoption paperwork, massive personal haircuts, and children to tote along later, it wasn't exactly what was in my mind's eye originally, but such a wonderful experience for me nonetheless.

My husband, Brian, good sport that he is, became my subject and I photographed him.  I wanted our kids to see what it is that I do and how I think when I am being creative and creating art, so they came along, and a friend came to help me help them. We were kind of a sight...

 We wrapped up our photo session with a portrait of us both together.

Z Family

Tuesday, July 25, 2017
I love thinking back on the history I have with families, and this is one for which I have much fondness.  Having bonded over drying cloth diapers when we were neighbors several years ago, this family trusted me with photographing their family back when I was just starting (and honestly had a lot to learn!).  

I enjoyed finding a location that suited all of their interests and allowed us all to enjoy an outing on an otherwise really hot summer week.  


 

Red Thread Session: A homecoming

Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Several weeks ago, I had the honor of photographing a family as they brought their newest son home from China.  They had previously adopted from China and had taken that son along on their trip, but upon their arrival they were able to introduce him to their three daughters.  He was so excited to meet his other new siblings and begin this new chapter of life in their family.

I loved the grin that crossed his face as they paused to see the group of family and friends who gathered to welcome them to St. Louis.
 This was my favorite moment as he smiled and reached out to meet his sisters.
I am so thankful to be a volunteer with Red Thread Sessions.  As with many parts of being a photographer, It is such an honor to be a part of these special moments as families grow and change- through marriage, birth, and adoptions.

Lynn Family- On location in Tampa

Tuesday, June 6, 2017
While in Tampa visiting my brother's family, I got to photograph them in their new home of Tampa, Florida.  It might have been raining and unplanned, but I love it! My brother is the youth pastor at an urban church and as we walked out the doors into the drizzly day, but I saw this overhang with great coastal color, I had to brighten up the rainy afternoon ahead with some cheery portraits. 



This Season: T's first year

Thursday, May 25, 2017
A special little guy just had his first birthday! Baby T is ready to cruise the streets and and enjoy this next chapter ahead: Adventures in Toddlerhood. I loved photographing this family for a This Season session. We spent a great morning together enjoying his special Radio Flyer tricycle, a breakfast picnic, and walk through their neighborhood park, which just so happens to be Forest Park. Can't beat that! 
What I love about a session like this is getting really personal with a family. They really let their guard down and engaged with each other, laughing, munching, and playing. I got up close and in their face, but they were perfectly in tune with spending time together, and I love the special, relaxed glimpses we get into their family life.



Red Thread Session

I had the pleasure of photographing a Red Thread Session last weekend, which honors adoptive families.  I was so excited to meet Baby N! N's mom had been one of my son's preschool teachers as we were preparing for our own adoption over the last few years, but little did I know she was doing the same.

We spent part of the morning together, dodging rain drops and enjoying a little outdoor oasis on the property of gracious friends.
It was so precious that each time N's dad gently stroked his cheek, he just lit up with these darling, toothless grins. 


Newborn E

Thursday, May 18, 2017
I had the honor of photographing Baby E just a few days after she was two weeks old.  I love seeing the connection with newborns to their parents. She loved the cuddles and snuggles with both of her parents! It was so beautiful to see the expressions on their faces as they held her close and enjoyed her newness.